PRACTIC INFORMATIONS

Senegal has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (from November to June) and the rainy season (from July to October).

The climate varies depending on the region. In the Sine-Saloum delta area, the influence of the Atlantic Ocean moderates the temperatures, which range from 16 °C to 35 °C.

During the rainy season, the hottest time of the year, the vegetation becomes lush and abundant, and birdwatching is particularly interesting. During the dry season, temperatures are more pleasant and stable. Throughout the year, you can enjoy the sun and the beaches.

As for the time zone, Senegal is in the same time zone as the Canary Islands, with a time difference of one or two hours less compared to the Peninsula, depending on the time of year. When it is 12:00 PM in the Peninsula, it is 11:00 AM in Senegal in the fall and winter, and 10:00 AM in the spring and summer.

In Senegal, it’s hot, so bring comfortable and light clothing for the day, and some longer pieces for the evenings. For most of the trip, you'll wear flip-flops, but if you plan to do any trekking in the forest, you'll need closed shoes.

It’s essential to bring mosquito repellent and sun protection. We also recommend bringing a flashlight and a water bottle. At our place, you'll find a mosquito net, sheets, hand soap, toilet paper, and a "pareo" which can serve as a towel.

Don’t forget to pack a toiletry bag with a basic first-aid kit.

From the dock to our house, it's only 3 minutes on foot along a sandy path. Suitcases with wheels aren't practical here, and if you bring a lot of luggage, you'll need to take a cart.

Remember that to travel in the country, you’ll need your passport.

In Senegal, the official currency is the CFA Franc. The best place to exchange euros for CFA is at the airport. Although Senegal is a safe country, it’s not recommended to carry too much cash. ATMs are only found in large cities.

Credit cards are not accepted in most places, but online payment apps like Orange Money or Wave are widely used.

We recommend carrying some CFA for small expenses and making larger payments through the Send Wave app.

It’s also very useful to get a SIM card with Orange (which has the best coverage in our area) and buy a data plan to access the internet and make local calls. You can do this directly at the Orange offices located in the arrival hall of the airport.

The village has a small dispensary with a basic pharmacy. The nearest health center is in Fimla (7 km from Ndangane), where there is also a more complete pharmacy. The nearest hospital is in Fatick.

Malaria is present in Senegal; however, the Sine Saloum delta area is one of the least affected by the mosquito that transmits malaria, thanks to the salty water and soil. We have been living on the island since 2018 and have never heard of a case of malaria in our area. According to the local dispensary data, no malaria cases have been recorded on the island in over 40 years.

There are no mandatory vaccines required to travel to Senegal.

Traveling responsibly means moving through the world with respect for the people who welcome us, their culture, and their environment. When we travel, we leave a footprint, and we want it to be a positive one. Here are some recommendations to help make that possible:

Respect for Local Communities:

• Open your mind and respect local beliefs and customs.
• Do not give money or candy to children; it’s better to buy school supplies at local shops and give them to responsible adults.
• Do not enter schools during class hours or interrupt religious ceremonies.
• Be against sexual tourism and learn a few words in the local language.

Respect for the Environment:

• Use water and energy responsibly.
• Stick to established paths and do not disturb animals.
• Bring a water bottle and avoid unnecessary waste.
• Use shared transport to reduce emissions and experience more authentic interactions.

Shopping and Photography:

• Support the local economy by buying handmade crafts and local products.
• Bargain respectfully, with a smile, and aim for a fair price for both parties.
• Always ask before taking photos, as you would want them to do with you.

And most importantly...
Come with the desire to learn, share, and transform! Not with the idea of "helping," but of exchanging. When you return home, share your experience to break stereotypes and reflect on the unjust borders that allow some to travel and not others. Every trip is an opportunity to change our perspective.

Responsible use of water and energy:
Water on the island is a precious resource. We ask you to use it responsibly: for showers, use the water from the barrels and the bucket.
We are 100% solar-powered. Please turn off the lights and fans when you leave the room.

Meals and drinks:
Breakfast is included and served from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
The restaurant offers daily menus. For lunch or dinner, please notify us before 10:00 AM.
Lunch is served at 2:00 PM, and dinner at 8:00 PM.
At the bar, you’ll find cold drinks and 10L bottles of filtered water available to reduce plastic waste.

Animals and security:
Please do not feed the animals while eating.
For your security, always lock the doors and windows when you’re not in the room.

Cleaning:
We clean the rooms every other day.